Legal News
Policy-related stories involving the broadcasting, streaming, advertising, measurement and journalism industries. Includes public service journalism on press freedom issues, government agencies and international affairs.
Optimum says FCC should review rule banning substitute broadcast signals during blackouts
The cable operator warned Nexstar’s proposed $6 billion TEGNA acquisition could drive higher retransmission fees and more blackouts for subscribers.
FIRST ON THE DESK
Gray Media CEO: Optimistic FCC will approve local TV swaps, acquisitions
Gray Media CEO Hilton Howell, Jr. says the company is optimistic about its own business deals and those involving other broadcasters, saying the regulatory environment is favorable to consolidation.
FIRST ON THE DESK
California to probe Paramount bid for Warner Bros Discovery
Attorney General Rob Bonta said the deal has not cleared regulatory scrutiny and pledged a “vigorous” state review of the transaction.
FIRST ON THE DESK
Nexstar CEO: TEGNA deal expected to close in late 2026, station sales possible
Nexstar has provided federal and state regulators with proprietary information about its proposed acquisition of TEGNA; it could be required to sell off some stations to close the deal.
FIRST ON THE DESK
FCC seeks public comment on TV sports rights deals
The FCC is probing whether sports rights deals with streaming services are chipping away at the ability to watch premium events on free broadcast TV.
FIRST ON THE DESK
Lawmakers: Nexstar-TEGNA deal will raise cable fees by $135 million
The lawmakers said further consolidation would harm Black and minority communities by shrinking local newsrooms and reducing civic representation.
FIRST ON THE DESK
FCC Chairman Carr says broadcasters should air “pro-America programming”
The initiative suggests PSAs, historical segments and daily patriotic features, though it creates no new mandates amid heightened FCC oversight of station licenses.
FCC gives Sinclair approval to acquire four TV stations
The FCC has approved the transfer of four broadcast licenses to Sinclair over an objection filed by DIRECTV.
FIRST ON THE DESK
FCC’s Gomez says Nexstar-TEGNA deal should get full panel vote
Gomez argued the deal conflicts with the 39 percent national ownership cap and shouldn't be scrutinized only by the Media Bureau.
FIRST ON THE DESK
FCC chairman says agency investigating “The View” over Talarico interview
Carr recently warned talk shows may lose long-standing equal time exemptions if interviews are deemed partisan rather than newsworthy.
Law&Crime president says Court TV buy was content-driven
Court TV will remain a separate brand focused on live trials, while Law&Crime repurposes archival and live content for on-demand programming.
Paramount hires ex-Trump official to lead policy as battle for WBD heats up
The appointment comes as Paramount competes with Netflix in bidding for WBD’s film studio, cable networks and streaming assets.